Choose from a number of uber-luxury rooms at this excellent private island retreat, including sea-view rooms, junior suites or private villas on stilts over the turquoise ocean (the villas have their own pool, boat jetty and private butler). Guests have use of plenty of facilities, including a cinema, mini-golf course and volleyball court.
Extras include massages at the island's spa, and classes including yoga and meditation sessions, plus meals at the resort's Middle Eastern, Italian and American restaurants. Children will be well entertained with beach games and football, plus a kids club. With a phone call's notice, drivers with golf buggies will pick guests up and take them wherever they need to be on the island. Service is excellent, with the little details considered throughout, starting with dates and refreshments on the boat transfer to the resort.
Boats leave for Banana Island from the Dhow Harbour in front of Souq Waqif and take 25 minutes (tip: book the sunset journey for hazy sky views).